The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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Coffee Chats expand LGBTQ+ home to school connection
Coffee Chats expand LGBTQ+ home to school connection
March 15, 2023
STUDENT SCIENTISTS. (FRONT) Aryun Nemani, Rita Li, Calvin He, Becca Richman, Julia Colbert. (BACK) Rishi Bhargava, Henry Choi, Humza Murad, Aaron Lindeman, Will Richardson, Gabriel Bangoura, Cassandra Zirps, Maryeva Gonzalez, Yash Kshirsagar.
Scientists find success at Twin Cities Science Fair
March 13, 2023
BETTER PRODUCTS, PERIOD. USC member Cerena Karmaliani said, “We had a lot of complaints about the fact that [the current product applicators] are cardboard, there’s not different sizes [of period products], they don’t get re-stocked as frequently, and people don’t feel as comfortable going to the nurse for alternate products.” These complaints are the basis for the new subcommittees work.
USC launches trial run of new feminine hygiene products
March 9, 2023
SECOND GLANCE. While this photo might look like a student staring at a computer, look closer and recognize that it is slightly distorted. The image was generated by OpenAI’s DALL-E 2 based on the prompt: “Create a realistic photo of a student using ChatGPT.” (Chat GPT photo)
Rise of ChatGPT sparks conversation about educational values
March 8, 2023
DONATE NOW. USC runs a sign up table in the English Commons on Feb. 20.
USC hosts annual blood drive
March 7, 2023
2023 ATHENA. Senior Heidi Deuel has displayed steadfast dedication to hockey and soccer throughout her five years of varsity sports at SPA. Captain of both teams, she represents everything that an Athena should be.
Heidi Deuel named 2023 Athena
March 13, 2023
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME. Sophomore Maddy Mosher said, “It doesn’t matter what level I’m playing at. DII, DIII, I just want to continue playing in college.”
Moser talks about the differences between AAU and SPA basketball
March 9, 2023
LETS GO SPARTANS. Students gather to cheer on the SPA boys hockey team as they face off against Highland Park in the first round of the section tournament. The Spartans went on to win the game 5-2.
Co-op sports provide connectivity, relationships between fans
February 26, 2023
SNOWY SLOPES. Burns has been passionate about alpine skiing from a young age. The sport is very challenging, with steep terrain, sharp turns, injuries, and countless hours of practice. But nevertheless, Burns continues to foster a deep love for the slopes.
Burns dominates on the slopes
February 23, 2023
TUMBLE TIME. Elena Sjaastad teaches youth gymnastics through Community Education in Saint Paul Public Schools at Central High School. Her previous coach set her up with the job. She said, “My coach reached out and asked if I want to help coach little kids and I was like yeah of course that would be really fun.”
Sjaastad works with the next generation of gymnasts
February 15, 2023
SPARTAN PRIDE. Captains Maryeva Gonzalez, Heidi Deuel and Lindsay Browne join head coach in Aileen Guiney in displaying the trophy to their fans.
GVS concludes memorable season
November 8, 2022
WE ARE THE (STATE) CHAMPIONS. The team celebrates their accomplishment after captains Nathan Cohen, Cooper Bollinger Danielson and Yash Kshirsagar present the plaque to the group.
BVS makes history with fifth state championship title
November 5, 2022
THE SPARTANS SUCCEED. After the end of the shootout, the team crowds goalie Lindsay Browne in celebration.
It’s not over yet: GVS defeats Breck in state semi-final
November 3, 2022
CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND. Senior Finn Sullivan and captain Nathan Cohen rejoice after a well-deserved win.
Championship bound: BVS advances in state tournament
November 2, 2022
LETs RECAP. With the conclusion of most fall sports, with the exception of teams currently in section or state tournaments, the highlights (and lowlights) of each team are shared with the community.
2022 Fall sports recap: Wins, losses, and teamwork
October 27, 2022
LETS GO SPARTANS. Students gather to cheer on the SPA boys hockey team as they face off against Highland Park in the first round of the section tournament. The Spartans went on to win the game 5-2.
Co-op sports provide connectivity, relationships between fans
February 26, 2023
SNOWY SLOPES. Burns has been passionate about alpine skiing from a young age. The sport is very challenging, with steep terrain, sharp turns, injuries, and countless hours of practice. But nevertheless, Burns continues to foster a deep love for the slopes.
Burns dominates on the slopes
February 23, 2023
ICE TIME. Greta Magnuson in goal boasts six wins, and a 0.894 save percentage this season.
Pregame Coverage: Metro-South Phoenix hopes to keep season alive
February 7, 2023
Spartans fail to beat Breck in second match-up, lose in overtime
Spartans fail to beat Breck in second match-up, lose in overtime
January 25, 2023
Metro-South falls to Apple Valley in anticipated rematch
Metro-South falls to Apple Valley in anticipated rematch
January 23, 2023
GO SPARTANS. Spring athletes talk season dynamics as the seasons come to their end.
Spring sports wrap up: The Rubicon recap
May 26, 2022
[STRIKING VOLLEY] Freshman Jacob Colton high-fives sophomore Baasit Mahmood after a strong finish to a point.
[PHOTO GALLERY] With a 4:3 victory against the Panthers, boys Spartan tennis seeds to state
May 26, 2022
RUNNING THE BASES. Georgia Ross surveys the infield as she sprints to second base.
SPA softball: a Cinderella story for the books
May 22, 2022
Joined golf team? That means early dismissals all spring
Joined golf team? That means early dismissals all spring
May 20, 2022
With spring arriving Glisczinski peddles hard to blaze through the trail near his house.
For Glisczinski biking is more then exercise, it’s a lifestyle
May 19, 2022
ONE YEAR. While NATO support for Ukraine increases, the divide of allies is becoming more and more tense in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
[2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE] Debating the level of US involvement in Russia’s war on Ukraine
March 17, 2023
LET HER LEARN. The discussion and pursuit of romantic and sexual relationships at SPA is littered with casual misogyny.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Do your part for gender equity
March 17, 2023
OUT OF THIS WORLD OIL. ConocoPhillips’ long-pursued The Willow Project, was approved by the Biden administration today. This project aims to drill for a projected 180,000 barrels of oil every day. To put this into perspective there are 20 gallons of gas per barrel. An American car averages 24.6 miles per gallon which equates to 492 miles per barrel. So 180,00 barrels per day multiplied by 492 miles per barrel is approx 88.6 million miles produced per day. The moon is 238,900 miles from earth. Meaning that each day an individual could drive to the moon and back 372 times.
Biden trades the planet for oil by approving Willow Project
March 14, 2023
BREAKING APART. Returning to treating C3 as a valued part of student culture and support will create the environment the new staff this year is trying to emulate.
The power of peer support
March 14, 2023
Feeling down? Try music.
Feeling down? Try music.
March 13, 2023
LET HER LEARN. The discussion and pursuit of romantic and sexual relationships at SPA is littered with casual misogyny.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Do your part for gender equity
March 17, 2023
OUTSIDE THE BOX. Engaging in classroom activities that aren’t static doesn’t automatically mean students will be distracted or unproductive. Using the opportunity to expand learning content outside the classroom has many benefits that can improve engagement, focus, and health.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Promote healthy habits by incorporating movement in class
March 7, 2023
DO I BELONG? Along with the strategic action plan to improve DEIB at SPA, there has been a significant increase in community-wide surveys based around safety and belonging in the community.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Promote a culture of acceptance and belonging
February 15, 2023
MAKING NEWS. Utilizing news sources is a convenient way to make classroom content more relevant and to start conversations about current events. Both teachers and students can contribute to incorporating news media into school spaces by bringing them into classes, clubs and student groups, and daily conversations.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] It is time to learn about current events in school
January 31, 2023
HIGHER GROUND. Putting the experiences of visible and invisible diversity on the same level diminishes the oppression that minority groups actually face. Instead of searching for reasons to consider oneself a minority, acknowledge where privilege is held and where it can be used to make a difference.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Oppression is not a competition: recognize privilege to create change
December 7, 2022
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is self-awareness?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is self-awareness?
January 31, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
December 5, 2022
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] Is life easy or hard?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] Is life easy or hard?
October 18, 2022
Some believers in this theory think that reality is only simulated where humans are looking. This would mean that reality would cease to exist anywhere humans were not perceiving.
Play or be played: are humans living in a simulation?
May 21, 2022
Do you really control yourself?
Do you really control yourself?
April 8, 2022
FIGHT BACK: Minnesotans gather in 2021 to protest the construction of Enbridge’s Line 3.
Looking at Line 5’s long, environmental battle with the upper Midwest
March 8, 2023
WOMENS DAY. “I feel like if I talk about my experience as a woman too much, I brand myself as too much of a feminist and then no one listens, because they just assume that Im angry and bitter,” Solvej Eversoll said. “I’m not afraid to call myself a feminist, but I do feel the need to pick and choose my battles because I want people to take me seriously.”
Factions of feminism (and the responses to the movement) have shaped history
March 8, 2023
Behind the books
Behind the books
March 5, 2023
Weirdly Obsessed
Weirdly Obsessed
March 4, 2023
During math league practices, individuals attempts at each problem and seek out for help from Mr.Sheffert whenever they are stuck.
The “T” in MATH is Team
March 2, 2023
PLAYING ALONG. Senior Nolan Wagner plays keyboards during rehearsal while the orchestra plays his original composition, Diomedes.
Nolan Wagner composes a piece for Honors Symphonia
March 14, 2023
BEHIND THE LIGHTS. Elvis, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Austin Butler, provides an insider view into the stars life, marred by controversy and greed. The film is nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture. (Screen capture from Baz Luhrmanns ELVIS | Official Trailer by Warner Bros. Pictures on YouTube)
[OSCAR REVIEW] Elvis: Controversy follows the King of rock and roll
March 13, 2023
LISTEN UP. The Women Talking cast was successfully able to execute an emotional film on such an emotional subject, while still making it engaging and entertaining for the viewer.
[OSCAR WINNER] Women Talking: Feminism in an isolated community
March 13, 2023
FLOP OR NOT? In The Whale, Charlie goes through an emotional journey searching for redemption.
[OSCAR WINNER] The Whale: A Big Hit?
March 13, 2023
SOUTHERN SIDES. The Handsome Hog’s adaptation of Hush puppies include three deep fried balls of batter with crab stuffing and creole remoulade. See the menu at handsomehog.com or dine in at 173 Western Ave N, St Paul.
Black owned restaurants bring Southern flavor up the Mississippi
March 13, 2023
BEHIND THE LIGHTS. Elvis, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Austin Butler, provides an insider view into the stars life, marred by controversy and greed. The film is nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture. (Screen capture from Baz Luhrmanns ELVIS | Official Trailer by Warner Bros. Pictures on YouTube)
[OSCAR REVIEW] Elvis: Controversy follows the King of rock and roll
March 13, 2023
LISTEN UP. The Women Talking cast was successfully able to execute an emotional film on such an emotional subject, while still making it engaging and entertaining for the viewer.
[OSCAR WINNER] Women Talking: Feminism in an isolated community
March 13, 2023
FLOP OR NOT? In The Whale, Charlie goes through an emotional journey searching for redemption.
[OSCAR WINNER] The Whale: A Big Hit?
March 13, 2023
YOU TALK TOO MUCH. Sammy Fabelman (left, Gabriel Labelle) is trapped in his room and has no choice but to listen as uncle Boris (right, Judd Hirsch) gives him a speech on art.
[OSCAR REVIEW] The Fabelmans is the ultimate movie-about-movies
March 12, 2023
View RubicOnline staff writers reviews of the Animated Feature Film Oscar nominees.
[OSCAR REVIEW] Animated films celebrated with nominations at 95th Academy Awards
March 12, 2023
[QUIZ] Let it snow? Maybe tomorrow.
[QUIZ] Let it snow? Maybe tomorrow.
November 28, 2022
SHINING STAR. Swift released the video to Bejeweled Oct. 24 and it has garnered nearly 9 million views. Swift will perform in Minneapolis Aug. 23-24, 2023.
Swift Announces the Eras Tour, new dates in Minneapolis
November 15, 2022
Its Scholastic Journalism Week: What does scholastic journalism mean to me?
QUIZ: [HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW]… the RubicOnline?
March 11, 2020
Members hop over the bench to get on the ice and play.
QUIZ: Have you been paying attention to the sports section?
January 16, 2020
Take this quiz to see some study tips just for you.
QUIZ: Which study tip should you try this Midterm?
December 9, 2019
Senior Tommy Verhey gives an update on this week’s current events.
[60 SECOND NEWS] Silicon Valley Bank collapse, March Madness, spring sports
March 17, 2023
What’s it like to be on The Rubicon?
March 16, 2023
Devine sisters grow up on the court
Devine sisters grow up on the court
March 6, 2023
Senior Tommy Verhey gives an update on this week’s current events.
[60 SECOND NEWS] MLB spring training, winter weather, SPA hockey and basketball
February 28, 2023
ON GUARD. Supportive, motivative and skillful are all qualities of a good coach. But what does a good coach looks like for the fencing team?
What are qualities of a good coach?
February 19, 2023
Podcasts help students pursue interests
Podcasts help students pursue interests
March 15, 2023
The science behind giving and receiving compliments
The science behind giving and receiving compliments
March 6, 2023
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 5 ChatGPT and the rise of AI
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 5 ChatGPT and the rise of AI
February 13, 2023
What song is most meaningful to you?
What song is most meaningful to you?
February 6, 2023
THROUGH THEIR EYES. On episode four of the podcast, Eliana Mann interviews senior Lily Malloy and junior Wafa Naqvi about whether or not they believe in life after death.
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 4: Do you believe in life after death?
February 1, 2023
March 2023 Issue
March 7, 2023
January 2023 Issue
January 31, 2023
December 2022 Issue
December 6, 2022
October 2022 Issue
October 25, 2022
September 2022 Issue
September 27, 2022
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
Iya Abdulkarim

Iya Abdulkarim, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Iya Abdulkarim is a driven writer, photographer, designer, and The Rubicon's Editor-in-Chief. Over the past four years, an interest in storytelling drove her down the path of journalism and thereafter blossomed into an appreciation for publication. Previously, she has served on The Rubicon as a staff writer, Feature Editor, and In-Depth Editor. After 3:00 PM, she can be found taking portraits of friends in parks, conversing in a coffee shops, or scribbling spontaneous poems. She is a member of the Girls' Basketball Team, the Senior Class Leadership Council, and the Science Olympiad club. Additionally, she serves as President of the Muslim Student Alliance at SPA. She anticipates a year full of laughter, learning, and accomplishment with The Rubicon staff. She can be reached at [email protected]

All content by Iya Abdulkarim
On April 16, Voter Outreach Specialist Michael Wall from the Minnesota Secretary of State helped inform and educate the seniors about voter registration.“ You need to be 18 on or before November 8th, the general election date. If you will not be, you can register after that,” Wall said.

Voting outreach specialist encourages and informs seniors

April 16, 2018
There were at least 13 deaths in one week during the 2017-2018 flu season

Illness epidemic hits classrooms

Iya Abdulkarim, Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2018
One Act performances spotlight senior directors, MSHSL show

One Act performances spotlight senior directors, MSHSL show

Iya Abdulkarim, Editor in Chief
January 29, 2018
We cant let failure define who we are as people.

If faced with failure, fight temptations and find motivation

Iya Abdulkarim, Rubicon Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2017
On the corner of Snelling and Palace Avenues.

[FOOD REVIEW] Spyhouse Coffee shop serves St. Paul community

Iya Abdulkarim, Editor-in-Chief
November 22, 2017
BEHIND THE SCENES: I think that for me one of the biggest surprises...was just realizing that ninety percent of the work that we do nobody ever gets to see, Omar said, and nobody ever gets to know, and the little bits and pieces that they get to see are things that have taken months and hundreds of meetings and one on one conversation to be able to have it be presentable to the outside world.

[Photo] Exclusive interview: MN legislator Ilhan Omar

October 30, 2017
Infographic super bowl final

[Photo] Super Bowl construction creates conflict for commutes

October 22, 2017
Head of School Bryn Roberts speaks at the opening assembly. “It is incumbent upon us, whether we are in an academic conversation or political conversation to learn to listen carefully with whom we don’t necessarily agree and to learn from that,” Roberts said.

Roberts calls for respectful and receptive conversations

Iya Abdulkarim, Editor-in-Chief
October 11, 2017
There will come a day, if you are the older sibling, when you wake up, and you realize that everything has changed, senior Emily Dieperink said during her speech.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 15

January 25, 2017
Be open to listening to yourself, have confidence, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to look weak, senior Emerson Egly said during his speech.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 24

March 7, 2017
I hate my birthday and there are plenty of reasons to justify this disdain, senior Ewan Lang said during his speech on Feb. 27.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 23

February 28, 2017
Take a moment and think to yourself: ’what’s really stopping me?’ senior Charlie Christakos said during his speech.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 29

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
April 21, 2017
You may call that a terrible start, I like to think of it as a below average start like in mario kart when you hold the boost button down too long at the beginning and spin the tires, senior Noel Parker said during his speech on Feb. 24.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 22

February 26, 2017
Courage is living to see today and tomorrow and the next day and the next...even when it’s hard. Even when it feels like The Trouble is dragging you farther away from the shore, senior Soph Lundberg said during her speech.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 28

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
April 15, 2017
Listening to others is the only kind of participation which isn’t rooted in the self, senior Phoebe Pannier said during her speech.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 27

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
April 8, 2017
My awkwardness is an endless source of entertainment: perhaps not in the moment, but afterwards I can always laugh about it, senior Elena Macomber said during her speech.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 26

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
April 3, 2017
I choose to keep dancing, accept my voice limitations, and remember how I was able to heal from this experience, senior Sonia Sukumar said during her speech.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 25

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
March 12, 2017
Our understanding may have changed— I now understand that Mom is, in fact, black, Dad is white, and I am still somewhere in between, senior Kathryn Schmechel said during her speech on Feb. 14.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 20

February 12, 2017
They all know what change is, what it feels like, and what it means. Listen to them, senior Shefali Bijwadia said during her speech on Jan. 23.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 16

January 30, 2017
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Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 13

December 16, 2016
Drumming has taught me once and for all that doing what you love is far more important than how other people see you for doing it, senior Ethan Meitz said during his speech on Jan. 23.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 12

November 30, 2016
Our understanding may have changed— I now understand that Mom is, in fact, black, Dad is white, and I am still somewhere in between, senior Kathryn Schmechel said during her speech on Feb. 14.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 21

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
February 16, 2017
What are you doing? senior Meley Apka asked during her speech on Feb. 7.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 19

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
February 9, 2017
Senior Nora Kempainen wears her Colby sweatshirt after being accepted through Early Decision

Early Decision lifts weight of college off seniors’ shoulders

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
February 7, 2017
I now glow deep carmine something the color of roses all beautiful petals protected by thorns: a red queen emerging from a pink princess, senior Amodhya Samarakoon said during her speech on Feb. 2.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 18

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
February 4, 2017
Q&A with Tim who runs the Instagram “pi” meme page

Q&A with Tim who runs the Instagram “pi” meme page

Iya Abdulkarim, The Rubicon Editor
January 26, 2017

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 14

Iya Abdulkarim, Jonah Harrison, and Diane Huang
January 20, 2017
Peer helpers posted this sign in one of the school hallways, advertising the Relaxation Room for students during exams week, using the popular meme concept of Evil Kermit. “I think it’s helpful to add a visual to a joke because it elevates it and makes it funnier,” junior Belle Smith said.

[Photo] Putting the me in memes: Students share experiences with memes

January 25, 2017
“When are we going to stop allowing the objectification of women, whether it’s through the lens of a camera or through supposedly harmless ‘locker room banter’?” senior Moira McCarthy asked during her speech on Nov 22.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 11

November 29, 2016
I realized that my dad wouldn’t have wanted me to give up...he would’ve wanted me to push myself and try even harder, senior Matt Dahlseide said during his speech on Nov 18.

Senior Speech Illustrations: Week 10

November 21, 2016
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